The Single Program Application and the ACEP Applications were updated in March 2024.
These updated applications supersede those available prior to the March 2024 update.
The Single Program Application and the ACEP Applications were updated in March 2024.
These updated applications supersede those available prior to the March 2024 update.
The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) works closely with its continuing education providers to ensure that they maintain the highest
standards in mental health training.
Choosing the Correct Application
Comparison of Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP) and Single Program (SP) Approval
Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP)
Single Program (SP)
Description
The Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP) Application allows you to seek approval to offer NBCC credit for live
programs and/or home study programs (on-demand) as an ACEP.
If you are interested in offering NBCC credit for live programs, you must submit one (1) live program that has concluded.
If you are interested in offering NBCC credit for home study programs, you must submit one (1) home study program that is fully functional.
The Single Program (SP) Application allows you to seek approval to offer NBCC credit for a specific and fully developed, live
program you plan to offer in the future.
Scope of Approval
If you submit an ACEP Application and are approved as an ACEP, you can add new programs and make changes to programs without
consulting NBCC. It is the responsibility of the ACEP to ensure that all programs offered for NBCC credit satisfy NBCC
Continuing Education Provider Policy (Provider Policy) requirements.
Your approval will not expire as long as you properly maintain your ACEP status by:
Satisfying all Provider Policy requirements
Promptly paying your Annual Maintenance Fee
Participating in the Third-Year Audit
If you submit an SP Application and the program is approved, you may offer the program as many times as you would like during the
12-month approval period conditioned upon no material changes.
You may change the date, location, and transition back and forth between in-person and online delivery that permits real-time interaction
between the presenter and participants. You may not change the content description, content, learning
objectives, agenda/schedule, presenter, or program length.
Additional Factors for Consideration
Do you have a history as an identified CE provider and can submit materials that will demonstrate your history of providing
recent CE programs that would qualify for NBCC credit?
Do the materials that you plan to submit consistently use the same CE provider name listed on your application?
Are you interested in offering NBCC credit for a live CE program that permits interaction with the presenter?
Would you like the opportunity to offer NBCC credit as you establish your history as a CE provider?
Prior to submitting your single program application, make sure that it is complete and accurate, including the correct fee.
Program Size
Definition
Total Regular Application Fee
Submission Deadline
Small Program
17 or fewer sessions
$300
Application must be received 60 days prior to program date
Large Program
18 or more sessions
$500
Application must be received 90 days prior to program date
Need a rush?
Rush Options
Definition
Total Rush Application Fee
Submission Deadline
Small Program Rush
17 or fewer sessions
$450
Application received less than 60 days but more than 30 days prior to program date
Large Program Rush
18 or more sessions
$700
Application received less than 90 days but more than 30 days prior to program date
In order to determine program size, you must understand how NBCC counts sessions. Program size is not determined by the number of attendees.
A program that focuses on one topic, has one presenter or two co-presenters, and has one set of learning objectives is counted as one session.
A program that features multiple topics typically schedules a session for each topic; each session has its own learning objectives. Each topic
must be counted as one session.
Conferences (a type of program that typically has multiple topics, sometimes running concurrently; each topic must be counted
as onesession.
If you have some sessions that do not meet NBCC requirements, you should clearly indicate that on the program materials submitted with your single
program application; when clearly identified, those sessions will not be reviewed and do not count toward your program size.
Note:
Single program applications submitted less than 30 days prior to the program date will not be accepted.
Approved Continuing Education Provider Options
Application Guidelines
There are three ACEP applications to choose from. Prior to submitting your ACEP Application, make sure that it is complete and accurate, including the correct
fee. The fee schedule if based on the number of delivery formats that you apply for.
Definition of Live Event Delivery Format:
Real-time, interactive programs either delivered in person or by electronic devices that permit the participant to communicate and interact with the
presenter(s), including qualified programs delivered solely for in-service training directly related to employment. Webinars that provide opportunities
for interaction with the presenter are considered live events.
Definition of Home Study Delivery Format:
Text-based learning materials, on-demand webinars, and other audio/visual materials that include an assessment demonstrating that
the participant completed the program.
Note:
If you apply for approval of an online home study program, NBCC staff will review the full program and take the test; therefore, the program must be fully
functional at the time of submission.
Application fee for one delivery format (either live event delivery format or home study delivery format) for ACEPs that would like
to be approved for an additional delivery format.
